IT is June, traditionally the “marry” month of the year because it’s been many a couple’s calendar of choice to tie the knot. Pandemic or no pandemic, data still show that more lovers exchange vows in June than in any other time of the year—but with limited guests, though, in accordance with social distancing health protocols.
But June also impacts on the future of the CARS (Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy).
Just a while back, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured CARS participants of a much-needed relief through an executive order (EO) to be issued this month.
The CARS, as we all know, is a government initiative to boost local automotive production, initiated in 2015 with a start-up of P27 billion. It mandates CARS participants to manufacture 200,000 units and produce body shells and large plastic parts in six years. Initially, each player is assured of a P9-billion fiscal support.
Only Toyota, through its best-selling Vios, and Mitsubishi’s Mirage had been enrolled thus far, with both companies coughing out roughly P8 billion in investments thus far.
In a press briefing several weeks ago, Ceferino Rodolfo, the Board of Investment (BOI) managing head and Trade undersecretary, said the DTI is ready to extend the production compliance period to three years for Toyota and Mitsubishi, citing the industry’s sales setbacks due to lockdowns and other pandemic-related issues.
“We are confident that an executive order for the extension of the compliance period for the CARS program participants would be issued before the end of June this year,” said Rodolfo as quoted by BM’s Tyrone Jasper C. Piad. “It only involves extension of the period of compliance, but the volume requirement remains intact and the national budget caps are still retained.”
After selling 162,011 units in 2019, Toyota’s sales dropped to 100,019 in 2020—a still huge market share of 44.69 percent. Second-running Mitsubishi sold 37,366 units in 2020 after registering 64,065 in 2019.
Just temporary setbacks, my dear.
Isuzu’s heart and smile
ISUZU Philippines Corp. (IPC) deserves credit for welcoming, through its iconic Isuzu Heart and Smile Project, 18 new scholars and 34 undergraduates in the company’s education thrusts.
The program, headquartered at the TESDA Auto Mechanic Training Center (AMTC) in Tacloban City, Leyte, was designed to provide transformative learning and opportunities for the disadvantaged.
Started in 2008 by Isuzu Motors Ltd. (IML) together with World Vision and TESDA, the platform has withstood the tests of time, from the tragic Typhoon Yolanda in 2014 to lockdowns amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ceremonies were graced by Rommel V. Fuerte, the national director of World Vision; and, Hirokazu Okubo, the IML’s executive officer. Okubo welcomed Batch 19 hopefuls gunning for a 2023 graduation.
“Due to the pandemic, things have been difficult and job search has become even harder,” Okubo told the graduates. “Don’t worry. This program will give you more chances here and even abroad. You have made the best choice!”
Okubo counseled the newbies: “Admission to the program does not guarantee success. But obey the rules, acquire the basics for auto mechanic and graduate with a driver’s license. In two years, you can secure a bright future.”
Words matter, as always.
PEE STOP San Miguel Corp. continues to help in the country’s fight against the Covid-19, recently deploying 100 doctors and nurses to government vaccination sites after initially enlisting 19 health personnel on April 26 in Metro Manila. The fresh batch of SMC’s vaccine brigade were dispatched at 11 sites, including Mandaluyong City Hall, Pedro P. Cruz Elementary School, Isaac Lopez Integrated School, Andres Bonifacio Integrated School, and Hulo Elementary School in Mandaluyong City; Potrero Elementary School, Malabon Elementary School, Ninoy Aquino Elementary School, and Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School in Malabon; and, Pinyahan Elementary School and Ateneo de Manila Grade School, in Quezon City.
SMC is looking for 200 more medical workers. “The shortage of medical personnel also hampers the government’s vaccination program that’s why we are doing our own bit to help,” said SMC President Ramon S. Ang, also reiterating that his company’s 70,000 or so employees will soon be vaccinated together with their families in the P1-billion program.
“Recovery is in sight,” he said. “Together, we can defeat this pandemic.” God bless you, Sir.
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